I.J. Ready and Colin Borchert hit free throws down the stretch Saturday to help Mississippi State pull away late with a 76-72 win over Ole Miss.

I.J. Ready and Colin Borchert hit free throws down the stretch Saturday to help Mississippi State pull away late with a 76-72 win over Ole Miss.

COLLEGE STATION, TX (RNN) - Texas A&M played a close back-and-forth game with South Carolina before escaping with the 75-67 win at home on Wednesday night.

The Aggies (12-4, 3-0 SEC) were down by as many as 11 points early in the first half against the Gamecocks (7-9, 0-3 SEC). South Carolina would outscore Texas A&M 39-38 in the first half, but the Aggies came roaring back in the second, outscoring South Carolina 37-28.

Texas A&M shot 55 percent from the field, 44 percent from the 3-point line and 59 percent from the free throw line. The Gamecocks did better at the free throw line, making 72 percent, but were worse with their field goals and 3-pointers, making 47 percent and 28 percent, respectively.

Jamal Jones led the Aggies with 22 points, four rebounds and two blocks. Brenton Williams led the Gamecocks with 14 points.

Texas A&M has won its first three conference games for the first time since its 2010-11 season when it was a member of the Big 12. For South Carolina, the game was their third straight conference loss and their fifth road loss of the season.